Poster Presentation: The Role of Stigma in Cannabis Use Disclosure: An Exploratory Study-The Role of Stigma in Cannabis Use Disclosure: An Exploratory Study

The Role of Stigma in Cannabis Use Disclosure: An Exploratory Study

Pdf Summary

The study, granted exempt status by the Northeastern University IRB, investigates the frequency of cannabis use disclosure to healthcare providers in the U.S. and the impact of stigmatization on this disclosure. Data from 249 respondents indicated that 57.1% of cannabis users initiated discussions about their use with healthcare providers, while 27.8% never discussed it, and only 15.1% of the providers initiated such discussions. Anticipated and total stigma were significantly associated with nondisclosure.<br /><br />The study reveals that annual household income, chronicity of cannabis use, frequency of use, and known CBD amount significantly influence the frequency of disclosure. Despite increasing societal acceptance and changing legislation regarding cannabis, federal illegality and stigma in healthcare settings hinder open conversations about its use.<br /><br />The study aims to enhance understanding of stigmatization in healthcare, focusing on four domains of stigma: perceived, anticipated, enacted, and internalized. The objectives were to evaluate rates and associations of cannabis disclosure and discussion in healthcare settings while considering stigmatization. Participants were adults who used cannabis and accessed the U.S. healthcare system in the last five years. The survey included demographics, cannabis use, and disclosure patterns, with stigma measured using SU-SMS and SASSS scales.<br /><br />Results showed that healthcare providers rarely initiate cannabis-related conversations, and multiple aspects of stigma significantly affect disclosure rates. The majority of respondents reported using cannabis for anxiety, pain, sleep, depression, and recreation. Recommendations suggest that providers initiate cannabis discussions with stigma reduction strategies and promote patient comfort. Future research should target anticipated stigma as a key barrier to cannabis disclosure in healthcare.

Keywords

cannabis use disclosure

healthcare providers

stigmatization

Northeastern University IRB

annual household income

chronicity of cannabis use

frequency of use

CBD amount

SU-SMS scale

SASSS scale